Brochure (Page 14)

What type of site bottom is required?
An AquaDam® can be installed on top of most types of soils or fluvial bottom materials, including flat lying bed rock, mud, sand, gravel, small rocks and vegetation. Select a site that is smooth, flat and devoid of wire, reinforcing bars, sharp objects, garbage, glass or dead vegetation such as fallen timber and so on. Preferably the slope of the riverbed should be either flat or near.

What lengths do AquaDams® come in?
AquaDams® come in stock lengths of 50 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet. AquaDams® can be joined together with the patented coupling collars to achieve virtually any length necessary. Custom lengths can also be made upon request.

How do you inflate an AquaDam®?
AquaDams® are normally inflated with water from the installation site. This requires the use of two small portable pumps. The water is pumped into the elevated fill tubes or ports of the AquaDam® while simultaneously letting the dam unroll in a controlled manner across the stream or waterway.

Can Weather Changes effect the AquaDams®?
AquaDams® have been used in temperatures as low as -40C. At very low temperatures the water inside the dam will freeze. If attempts are made to move the AquaDam® under freezing conditions the ice inside the AquaDam® will crack and break exposing sharp edges or points that may damage the inner tubes. It is best to wait until the thaw before attempting to remove the AquaDam®, if you plan on reusing it. They have also been used in very hot and humid environments in Florida and along the Gulf of Mexico.

How does erosion around the AquaDam® affect its usefulness?
AquaDams® are flexible and conform to the ground and surrounding area to provide an effective seal. Even if the ground is eroded away under the AquaDam® after installation, the AquaDam® will settle into the eroded area to maintain the seal. The AquaDam® itself is not susceptible to erosion and does not use fill materials which can be washed out. By eliminating the use of fill materials AquaDams® meets the demands of EPA guidelines and Clean Water Act regulations in regards to avoiding fill discharges. If an AquaDam® is placed on a soft base which will allow water to permeate its subsurface and undercut the structure, it will have a tendency to sink as the base is washed out. This problem would present itself with any water retention system. This is a potential problem with any given site it and should be considered as a factor in selecting the right size AquaDam®. A larger AquaDam® provides a larger footprint to resist undercutting or sinking and to insure that the water control depth will stay within recommended values, if sinking should occur. Any leakage through the ground or subsurface would be directed to a pump in order to keep the dewatered area dry.